Tyrese Haliburton made his long-awaited return to the court on October 7, 2026, playing in a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The point guard, who missed the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles tendon, finished with seven points and six assists in his first game since the 2025 NBA Finals.
Tyrese Haliburton officially returned to the court for the Indiana Pacers on October 7, 2026, ending a 473-day absence caused by a torn Achilles tendon. The point guard played in a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, marking his first competitive action since Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Haliburton, who missed the entire 2025-26 season, finished his preseason debut with seven points on 3-of-8 shooting, six assists, and two blocks in 16 minutes of action. The Pacers defeated the Timberwolves 123-112 in a game that served as a celebration for the franchise's biggest star. According to reports, Haliburton purchased all tickets in the student sections at both ends of the court, allowing Iowa State students to attend for free, which resulted in a sold-out arena and a raucous atmosphere.
The return has generated significant hope for the Pacers, who finished the 2025-26 season with a 19-63 record in Haliburton's absence. General Manager Chad Buchanan has tempered expectations for an immediate return to previous form, noting that Haliburton is still working through the final stages of his recovery. However, Haliburton expressed excitement about being back, stating that his perspective on life and basketball has changed through the injury process. "It's been a rollercoaster of emotions for me... I think my perspective on life has changed," Haliburton said.
As the 2026-27 NBA season approaches, Haliburton is positioned as a key figure in the league's top tier. In a recent ranking of the NBA's top 100 players for the upcoming season, Haliburton was included among the elite, with analysts factoring in his return from lengthy absences. The Pacers are looking to reclaim their spot in the Eastern Conference, with Haliburton's presence expected to elevate the team's offensive dynamics and playoff prospects.